DNA Damage
| Definition: |
Injuries to DNA that introduce deviations from its normal, intact structure and which may, if left unrepaired, result in a MUTATION or a block of DNA REPLICATION. These deviations may be caused by physical or chemical agents and occur by natural or unnatural, introduced circumstances. They include the introduction of illegitimate bases during replication or by deamination or other modification of bases; the loss of a base from the DNA backbone leaving an abasic site; single-strand breaks; double strand breaks; and intrastrand (PYRIMIDINE DIMERS) or interstrand crosslinking. Damage can often be repaired (DNA REPAIR). If the damage is extensive, it can induce APOPTOSIS. |
| Notes: |
do not use /drug eff & /rad eff for DNA damage induced by drugs or radiation; do not confuse with DNA FRAGMENTATION: see note there |
| Also Called: |
Genotoxic Stress |
| Previously Indexed: |
DNA (1966-1986),DNA Repair (1971-1986),DNA Replication (1968-1986) |
DNA Damage Categories.
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Chromosome Breakage - A type of chromosomal aberration which may result from spontaneous or induced breakage. ALKYLATING AGENTS and other chemical MUTAGENS, various types of RADIATION have been found to cause chromosomal breakage. Breakage can result in TRANSLOCATION (GENETICS); INVERSION (GENETICS); or SEQUENCE DELETION. |
DNA Damage Definitions and Terms
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